Adaptive Apparel -
The purpose of this adaptive apparel capstone is to create a professional and modern inclusive line, for active men aged 26 - 40 who use wheeled mobility devices (WMD), that enhance fit in the seated figure, provide ease of function with dressing and undressing, and use quality cotton performance textiles for outdoor conditions.
Tommy Hilfiger
Adaptive Casual
Better price point $ 26.50 - $ 499.00
Product Categories : Men Women Kids
Natural and Synthetic Fabrics
Open back closures
Dual-front pockets
Elastic pull-up loops
Investment in Denim Center
Partnership with Roblox (Virtual Fashion)
" The flexibility in the waist, Velcro, and drawstring loop...and the rear end going up as little more for my sons...both in wheelchairs! I am so excited to try them! " Trista S.
Ralph Lauren
Non-adaptive Timeless fashion
Bridge to Designer price point $ 14.99 - $ 9,995.00
Product Categories: Apparel, Accessories, Home, fragrances, hospitality
Natural and Synthetic materials
Color and manufacturing on Demand
Leather Alternatives
Digital Product Id (QR Code) for authenticity, care labels, and efficiency of order and inventory management
Virtual apparel
" Nice shirts but sizing inconsistent….the purple one fit looser ad the arm holes were wider….the green one fit much tighter in torso and sleeve. ” Jim J.
Seven7
Adaptive and non-adaptive Jeans
Moderate price point $ 7.50 - $ 89.00 jeans
Product Categories : Men Women Adaptive
Mostly natural high-quality materials
Velcro fastening on bottom hem
Magnetic Fly
Seamless back jeans
Seated figure fit
“The Velcro is fine, but I would add a top button to adequately secure the pants. Some more styles and different pocket placements would be nice to have some different options.” Sonny
GAP
Non-adaptive Clean and Casual
Mass market price point $ 10.00 - $ 248.00
Product Categories : Men Women Teen Kids Baby Home
Natural and Synthetic materials
Bodyequality
NFT drops and virtual apparel
Celebrity marketing partnerships
Denim Fit Guide
" They're comfortable, but they are very wrinkled even after following the care instruction" Nate N.
" Overall great pants. Would love it if they were a bit thicker but for the price point, these are great. I use them more for streetwear than activewear " Ed G.
IZ Adaptive
Adaptive Business / Informal
Better to Contemporary $ 25.00 - $410.00
Product Categories : Adaptive Men Women Non-Gender
Natural and Synthetic quality materials
IZ Nation Community Blog
IZ Seamless technology™
Extended fly, Elastic back, Front pockets
Choice of Closure
For each pair sold in the USA 3% of the sale is donated to Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
" Quite expensive but, the product is fantastic. Overall worth it " Paul V.
Calvin Klein
Non-adaptive Minimalist and sensual
Mass market price point $ 11.90 - $ 268.00
Product Categories : Women Men Non-Gender Kids
Natural and Synthetic materials
Plus Size and Gender Inclusive
Interactive digital denim fit guide walls
Celebrity ambassadors
Expanded Global Audience
" I find I am consistently between a large and a medium for CK clothing so I choose the Large to be slightly more comfortable loungewear. I was expecting the Gloss (silicone) CK logo to be more annoying but it isn't really even all that noticeable " Steven
" Stylish. Slick. Sweet. " Chris
Key observations from competitor brand research show the need for more technological textiles, applying inclusive solutions, like magnets, velcro, and extended sizes, to basic items and adopted by non-adaptive brands, affordable options, and tagless solutions. Inconsistent sizing can be solved by using 3D apparel simulators, CLO 3D, to correct fit and reduce prototype samples.
Specialization within the spectrum of disabilities is the first step to universal design.
Radar Chart
A radar chart is a tool to compare competitors and identify gaps in the market based on different characteristics. Areas evaluated are price $ - $$$, Ease of Access for people with disabilities (PWD), Aesthetic casual to professional, Innovation ranging from adaptive closures to technological advancements, and longevity of materials. There is clearly a gap in ease of access with major brands falling lower on the scale than the adaptive brands do. Adaptive brands tend to invest more in alternative solutions to apparel access whereas non-adaptive brands invest in digital content, NFT, and green solutions to printing and sourcing. Aiming for the middle in both durability and aesthtic categories would be ideal with quality materials that last for people who use WMD; Aesthetic needs to be classic and timeless. Affordability can be a issue because more innovation and quality is place in adaptive brand making them more expensive. However, clothing should be equally affordable no matter if your buying adaptive pants or not. Aiming higher than GAP but, lower than Tommy Hilfiger would be optimal.
Analyzed eight existing interview transcripts from people who use a wheeled mobility device (WMD) with lower-body impairment. After identifying demographics and psychographics, each transcript was processed and key information related to functional, expressive, and aesthetic needs was used to identify needs and solutions with the value proposition canvas to adaptive apparel.
Meet The People
Jon Powers AA02
Raplh Doe 05
James Joel 13
32
CO Director of Architectural Studies
Traveling abroad
Outdoor activities
Foodie
26
High Fives Foundation
Mountain Biking
Community Engagement
Volunteer
25
Student
Active Lifestyle
Racecar Driver
Planet Fitness Membership
Identifying needs and solutions with the value proposition canvas provided several important functionalities, aesthetics, and expression values needed by people who use WMD. Functionality values are ease of access, non-restrictive silhouettes, reduced fabric volume, innovative closure solutions, using textiles with performance technologies, and affordability. Aesthetic needs include modern, professional, and sleek designs to meet modern style standards wanted by consumers, aged 26 - 40, in the adaptive market. Customization for style, like the choice between closures and hems, has a positive result in customer satisfaction. Finally, expressive needs include improving the confidence and individuality of the person with clothing that has a great feel and style by reflecting an active outdoor lifestyle aesthetic. A mailing service will be added to ship directly to the consumer to try on at home and no stress returns, this helps give relief to consumers to have the ability to try clothing on in the comfort of their home.
Inspiration Board
This collection, Alleviate, is named after the verb alleviate to make a problem less severe or relieve stress. The features in this collection help to alleviate time, effort, and stress about clothing for people who use wheeled mobility devices. The inspiration for this collection revolved around the problem that people who use wheelchairs don't have appropiate and modern looking rain jackets to provide protection from the rain for yourself and wheelchair. Striving for a timeless and modern aesthetic mixed with natural and adaptive elements that are discreet and slick.
Fabrics and Trims Board
Sourced from the Cotton Inc. FABRICAST collection, the cotton products shown on the left from cottonworks have advanced textile technologies to provide people who used WMD with quality and durable products at a reasonable price. Fabric.com provided two textiles with more than 80% Cotton to use for my prototype for an adptive rain jacket. TranDRY tech helps maintain thermal control PUREPPRESS technology keeps shirts wrikle-free and has ease of care Natural Stretch technology maintains fit and durability for my target market Trims and closures features MORITO block tapey type 3 than is an alternative to velcro and is non-abrasive, ANKHGEAR Magnetic Zipper, AQUAzip water repellent Zipper, and Natural Snaps
Graphics Package
This graphics package offers simple and sleek designs featuring ease of accessing QR codes to product pages on garment labels and hangtags while directing you to the website home on business cards and packaging.
Click on the gallery to view small descriptions of each asset
The Prototype
The prototype fetured on the right shows the final sample of the Rain Adaptive Jacket. Featuring a seated draped garment, streamlined designed, magnetic zipper, high cotton percentage 70%+, a waterproof laminate outer core and a 100% cotton interior, advanced closures with MORITO products. Cotton adds familiarity and thermal comfort. Trying to solve the issue that is apparent in the market for people who use wheelchairs, that rain clothing looks too medical/unmodern. Added progress showing the draping process, as well as, the exhibition of the prototype and final exhibition poster.
With a partnership with the PLM software, Backbone, designed to make the tech pack process more streamlined and efficient, five tech packs for each product in the Alleviate collection were developed and included below.
Color Palette
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Line Sheet & Tech Packs
Click the Adobe Acrobat logo below the line sheet for downloadable previews of the 5 Alleviate product tech packs featuring BOM, POM, costing, images, and summary pages
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Costing
Click the EXCEL logo above for the excel sheet for costing analysis of the 5 Alleviate products